Our Anniversary, Mother's Day, & This...

So one of my goals for this blog is to be real. I want the girls to be able to read it some day and learn from the challenges & joys that we have experienced as a family. This past weekend was a "big" weekend. Friday was Jeremy & I's five year anniversary. I wish I had pictures to post from the lovely date night we had planned to go on. But, it didn't happen. Earlier last week Jeremy told me that this weekend was when we would be trenching and installing drainage tile in our yard. He hinted around about machinery & big holes in the ground. I asked if he would rather I took the girls and went to visit my parents. We both decided this would be the best plan since the girls love to be with their daddy & grandpa when they are out in the yard. The next day Jeremy realized this weekend was our anniversary... I knew all along. But, we decided to go forward as planned. 

When the girls and I came back late Saturday night the yard was a big mess. Jeremy was very tired and we upset our neighbor because we messed up his flowers. The plan was that the yard would be finished and we would spend Mother's Day as a family. Jeremy would make dinner, we would take the kids to the park, and then watch a movie. Well, that didn't work out either. We ate Subway, spent the afternoon finishing the yard,  and I made dinner for & us and the family who came to help. And my children didn't exactly "rise up and call me blessed" either.  Grace made a lovely flower craft in her class (for Mother's Day) which she screamed and cried about when we tried to encourage her to actually give it to me. 

Have no doubt we live a real life, with real challenges. Challenges that make me want to throw a pity party, eat ice cream, and sometimes have a good cry! But, the good news is that God didn't leave me there. His work in my life is awesome. Here are some of the things He showed me.

- While I didn't have my anniversary date I went on an AMAZING trip to Mexico in December to celebrate early. We saved money, and missed the swine flu! And while we still wanted to at least have a date night on our anniversary it doesn't mean we have a stinky marriage. We actually have a awesome marriage, and I'd choose everyday bliss over once a year romance any day. I am more in love with my husband than the day I married him and part of the reason is all the challenges we have weathered together.

-When I got home there was a lovely Mother's Day card & surprise from Rick & Leeanne. A spa manicure gift certificate. They are so thoughtful.

-While my Mother's Day wasn't perfect it wasn't horrible either. While we were working on our yard my neighbor told me our family has inspired her to work on her faith & her family. God really touched my heart on that one!

-Grace may not have wanted to share the particular treasure she made in Sunday School but she has told me several times in the last month, "Your the best mommy ever."

- Yesterday I worked hard to fix our neighbor's flowers as best I could. They don't look like they did, but he did say he was thankful. I am praying my best efforts to go above and beyond what he asked will shine some light into his life.

This year I am reading through the Bible in chronological order. Currently I am reading through many of the Psalms. What perfect timing for the circumstances of our life. David is such an honest guy. He tells God when his life stinks, and then in the same breath says, "You rock God!" I can see God teaching me that is what deep faith looks like. It is realizing that even when life gets hard God hasn't changed. He is still awesome even if your life makes you want to eat ice cream.

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."